Ethan lays out the proposed K-5 schedule for feedback and provides insight on the need.

• A scheduled time each day for the intervention team to co-teach with every grade-level.
• Staggering instructional blocks of ELA/Math core instruction allowing Exceptional Children’s teachers to support more in-class services throughout the day.
• Provide the Student Support Team with designated time during intervention/extension to teach social-emotional learning skills.
• Coordinated time on Friday afternoons when middle school electives can engage with K-2 students during elementary school Explorations.

Eric asks follow up questions around intervention and extension services. Believes overall, the schedule will serve in meeting the desired out comes stated above.

Ethan, at the end of the year when we asked families about remote learning during flex days:

• The feedback from families about flex days was around inconsistent expectations among grade-levels for what students.
• The flex days are part of the digital learning plan extended for 2 years. 
• From the calendar perspective, we have enough instructional hours without the Flex Day. Maybe it is more about additional teacher work days.

Eric:

• What is the purpose of these days? Are we trying to train students to work in an independent environment? Or are we actually doing academic pursuits?

Deb:

• We had hoped to give students who need less distractions and more time for staff to receive additional training school-wide. We also wanted to keep kids connected to digital tools and what we learned from blended learning. 

Eric:

• Could this be a model for preparing students for taking classes online in high school and college? Help students be more self-directed, independent learners.

Ethan and Deb agree:

• In 22-23 SY, focus on resetting clear expectations for staff so there is alignment K-8 on student work during FLEX Days. For the future, explore options outside of Flex Days that meet the needs of staff and students.

Josh:

• Code 7 in the GA statute: The local school board policy could change the policy. 

Ethan:

• Policy states the term “excused” is for “unavoidable causes” like sickness.
• The board last approved the the attendance policy on the website was approved on 12/2019

Deb:

• We could do a better job of addressing the stigma of “unexcused” so families do not feel this code is saying this is unacceptable.
• We provide make up work and code as such, but the judgment call shouldn’t be on the administrator.
• School sponsored events are different.

Eric:

• The current policy is straight forward and in line with majority of public schools around the state.

Next Steps:

• Recommendations from the committee? As of now the understanding is to clarify expectations for teachers around flex days
• Attendance policy: There is discrepancy in the handbook and website. We will align the 2 policies in the updated 22-23 handbook.
• Bringing SIP to the Board for approval.